NO WAY THROUGH — Nicky Forster and his Royals team-mates were unable to break down Walsall's defence in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Madejski Stadium.

READING will today clinch the signing of Steve Sidwell from Arsenal on a three-and-half-year deal.

The need to sign a goalscoring midfielder was emphasised to manager Alan Pardew after watching his side again fail to break down Walsall in Saturday's bore draw.

Reading's wretched run continued and the lack of a goal threat has been a key factor in Pardew's men failing to win more than once in nine attempts.

Defensively they again looked sound although Walsall showed little willingness to go for a win, but it is scoring goals that continues to be Royals' problem.

Only the bottom two sides, Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton, have scored fewer league goals than Reading, who have managed just 28 in 27 matches.

And Pardew admitted it is something that needs rectifying if they are to maintain their push for the play-offs.

Arsenal midfielder Sidwell will sign for a fee that could exceed £250,000, depending on his success.

Personal terms have now been agreed and the only sticking point which held the move up was how the money will be aportioned under the terms of any sell-on fee.

Pardew, though, has finally landed the player, who has notched five goals in 12 appearances while on loan with the Seagulls this season.

Royals' manager said: "One of the main reasons I've targeted him is because we lack goals from all areas of the pitch. We're not getting goals from midfield areas and Sidwell can score."

At least Royals will not have to face Walsall again this season.

Saturday was their fourth encounter this campaign and Colin Lee's injury-hit side came with a defensive game-plan.

Pardew added: "The opposition showed no real ambition to try to win the game. They did their utmost to make it a stagnant, boring game, but we've taken four points from the two league games with them.

"Chances are few and far between if the Opposition have 10 men behind the ball. But we lacked a spark, which was a shame because the effort and commitment were there.

"We're still seventh and with a game in hand over the teams above us. The Leicester game a week tomorrow is a big game, so what a great opportunity to get ourselves in the top six again."

Jamie Cureton went closest to nicking it for Reading two minutes from time, but his first effort was excellently saved by Jimmy Walker and the Royals striker blazed the rebound off target.

Cureton admitted the uncertainty surrounding his future is starting to get to him.

The 27-year-old, who is Reading's joint leading scorer with seven goals this season, said: "I was disappointed to have missed the chance. Being out of contract and not in the starting 11 doesn't help as it is all added pressure.

"It's a new situation for me as I normally know where I'm going to be next season, but that's not the case and it does play on your mind.

"I know the manager has taken a pay cut and the players will probably be expected to do the same.

It is something each of us will have to think about as football has changed. Players now look as though they will not get as good a deal as maybe they would have done last year.

"But the original offer I was not happy with.

We'll have to see what happens, but I don't know where I'll be next season.

"I will just have to try to forget about the uncertainty. I felt sharp and hopefully I've done enough to stay in the starting 11."